Catholicos Aram I issues a statement on State vs. Church Confrontation
The statement issued by Catholicos Aram I is titled: “Stay away from attempts to split the Church.”
“In the past months, we have followed with deep concern the disturbing developments taking place around Holy Etchmiadzin. On various occasions and by various means, we have tried to calm the stormy situation and promote mutual understanding, especially warning against steps leading to the division of the Church.
Today, in fact, the situation has become more dangerous, fraught with unpredictable consequences. The firm preservation of the integrity and internal unity of Holy Etchmiadzin and our Church in general, and keeping it away from internal or external threats, is a national priority. Guided by this deep awareness and commitment, we call upon:
• THE AUTHORITIES OF ARMENIA to refrain from interfering in the internal life and problems of Holy Etchmiadzin and from sowing seeds of division within the church by various means, which could lead our church, nation and homeland to self-destruction.
• HOLY ECHMIADZIN to prevent, with all possible diligence, patience and prudence, the emergence of cracks and dangerous situations within the monastic life and to rally around His Holiness Karekin II, as well as around the monastic covenant and principles, and to examine the existing problems in a fraternal spirit, through a canonical process and a realistic approach, with the determination to come to appropriate decisions.
The Church is the house of God and at the same time the sacred house of the nation. Every Armenian has the duty and right to be concerned and express his/her opinion on the issues affecting the Church, but with a constructive and positive approach and guided by the initiative to renew the Church and further enliven its mission of service.”
